Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
In Cameron’s bedroom, Bradley held her on his lap and said, “Cam, I’ll be back first thing tomorrow morning.”
Cameron hooked her arm around his neck. “I know.”
Bradley gazed at her intensely and let out a sigh. He really wanted to pack Cameron up and take her with him.
These past few days, they’d been together every moment except when sleeping. Bradley was alread missing her before he’d even left. That was how it was with couples in love-they never wanted to be art for a second.
Cameron pinched his ear playfully. “Brad, one day goes by fast.”
“Time really does fly when I’m with you,” Bradley said.
Cameron couldn’t help but laugh. She teased him deliberately. “Why don’t you just not go back?”
Bradley shook his head. “I already promised my mom.” Besides, it was a Saunders family tradition. No matter how busy they were, all the Saunders had to come home every Christmas for the family reunion.
Cameron smiled, “Then wish your family a Merry Christmas for me.”
Bradley suddenly turned toward the door.
“What?” Cameron asked.
Bradley looked back at her. “Cam, did you lock the door?”
Cameron fell silent.
Before Cameron could say anything, Bradley kissed her lips with burning intensity. Only by completely possessing her again could he barely ease the endless longing in his heart.
Over an hour later, they stepped out fully dressed. Cameron walked Bradley to his car. He sat inside while she stood outside, one hand resting on the window. “Brad, drive carefully.”
It was Christmas Eve, and everyone was rushing to Christmas dinner. People were excited and might be driving too fast.
Bradley took her hand and kissed it gently. “Cam, wait for me.”
Cameron nodded. “I will.”
Bradley wanted to say more, but Cameron waved him off. “Go on, Brad. If you keep stalling, you’ll miss
Christmas dinner.”
Bradley smiled, “Alright.” Then he drove away.
Cameron didn’t turn around until Bradley’s car disappeared from view.
The moment she turned, she bumped straight into Amelia. Amelia wrapped an arm around Cameron’s shoulder. “Cam, look at you staring after him like that. You might as well have gone with him.”
Cameron shook her head thoughtfully. “We’re not married yet.”
Before they were officially married, she could visit the Saunders family, but spending Christmas with em was out of the question.
Amelia laughed, “Bradley’s the same way. He’s so sharp and capable at work, but when it comes he gets all old-fashioned.”
Cameron defended him. “You and Lance aren’t any better.”
Amelia fell silent.
3.
As evening approached, Gavin still hadn’t returned home.
Jacqueline had already worked with the kitchen staff to prepare the Christmas dinner. She changed into a beautiful dark purple dress and came downstairs. “Where is Gavin? Why isn’t he back yet?”
Lance smiled, “Mom, Gavin probably got scared off by that blind date you arranged for him.”
Levi looked up from his iPad. “He’s old enough. Shouldn’t he be dating?”
“I’ll call him,” Jacqueline said.
Cameron and Amelia came down the stairs hand in hand. Both had changed into pretty winter dresses and applied light makeup.
After all, this was the year’s most important day, and they’d be taking photos for Instagram later. They naturally wanted to look their best.
“Mom, Dad, I’m home.” Just as Jacqueline was about to make the call, Gavin’s voice came from the doorway.
“You finally-” Levi was about to scold Gavin when he looked up and saw his son walking in with a young woman by his side. The words caught in Levi’s throat.
Gavin walked in holding hands with a stunning young woman.
The girl looked to be around twenty-five. She wore a black coat with her long hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Her features were delicate, but her eyes held a distant, almost vacant look.
Her sudden appearance cut Levi’s scolding words short, leaving them stuck in his throat.
Everyone in the room turned to stare at the stranger, their faces filled with surprise and curiosity.
“Gavin, who is this?” Jacqueline stepped forward with a polite inquiry.
Gavin turned to the girl beside him. “What’s your name?”
The room fell silent. Everyone stared in disbelief. Gavin had brought someone home and didn’t even know her name yet he was holding her hand.
Levi and Jacqueline exchanged looks of pure bewilderment. The girl said calmly, “Hello, I’m Britney
Watson.”
“Mom, her name is Britney,” Gavin announced.
Jacqueline said nothing, clearly at a loss for words.
Lance leaned back in his chair with his legs crossed. “Well, Gavin. That was fast-bringing someone home after just a few days.”
Gavin shot him a sharp look.
Amelia stood up and waved cheerfully at Britney. “Hi, I’m Amelia.”
Britney glanced at Amelia and nodded coolly. “Hello.”
“Britney, come in, come sit down.” Jacqueline hurried over and took Britney’s hand, then gasped. “Oh my! Your hands are freezing!”
She looked disapprovingly at Gavin and asked Edwin to fetch a hot water bottle.
“Thank you.” Britney clutched the warm bottle against her chest.
Levi looked at Gavin. “So this is your new girlfriend?”
“No.” Gavin shook his head immediately.
A few days ago, Jacqueline had dragged him to a blind date setup. After meeting two girls, he’d fled.
Since then, Gavin had been wandering the streets. With Christmas approaching, the city felt emptier than usual.
Viremont was a major metropolis, but most people went home to their families during the holidays. Christmas actually brought a strange quiet to the bustling city.
Everyone was rushing home while he drifted aimlessly through the streets. Gavin wanted to go home too, but facing Levi and Jacqueline’s nagging made his head throb.
Then again, Cameron and Lance had all settled down while he remained single. Jacqueline and Levi sy have a point.
Gavin had spent the day by the river, thinking that even if he got lectured, he should at least go h
Christmas dinner.
The riverbank was nearly deserted. That was when he noticed Britney.
He’d been there all day, and so had she. They’d become aware of each other’s presence.
Before leaving, Gavin couldn’t help but approach her. “Why aren’t you heading home? It’s getting dark, and it’s not safe for a girl to be out here alone.”
“I don’t have a home anymore.” Britney’s voice was steady, matter-of-fact.
Something came over Gavin, and he blurted out, “Then why don’t you come home with me?” The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them.
Britney looked at him, staring for what felt like forever, then nodded. “Okay.”
Gavin had nothing to say to that. So Gavin ended up bringing her home.
When Britney saw Gavin shake his head, she lowered her eyes.
Confusion flickered across everyone’s faces. They couldn’t understand why he’d brought her home for Christmas if Britney wasn’t Gavin’s girlfriend.
Still, since she was already there, the Yates family welcomed Britney warmly enough.
